Rhode Island Votes to Ban Conversion Therapy

Creating a climate of support and affirmation for LGBTQ youth is critical to ensuring their safety and well-being.

On June 30, 2017, Rhode Island moved closer to creating that climate, by taking decisive action to ban the harmful and discredited practice of conversion therapy on LGBTQ youth.

Thanks to the hard work of supportive legislators, our partners on the Rhode Island Conversion Therapy Ban Committee, and all of you who spoke out across the state, the bill sponsored by Senator Donna Nesselbush and Representative Edith Ajello was passed by the General Assembly, and is now off to the office of Governor Raimondo, who we hope will sign it into law quickly.

This bill will have a tremendously positive impact on youth in Rhode Island. Attempts to change a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation not only do not work, they are harmful, leaving youth especially at increased risk of depression, addiction, and even suicide.

With this law, Rhode Island would join Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, California, Oregon, Illinois, New Mexico, Nevada, as well as Washington, D.C. in becoming a safer and more welcoming place for LGBTQ youth.

Thank you for helping to ensure LGBTQ youth know they are beautiful, just as they are.